St. John Pavilion: Ornamental Plastering
The St. John Pavilion in the Long Center is just off the main lobby of the Mars Theatre, designed by Nicol, Scholer and Hoffman, the building is a significant architectural example of the Neo Classical design.
The Long Center for the Performing Arts is currently home of the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra and the Long Center Theatre Organ Society’s 3 manual, 21 rank, Mighty Wurlitzer theatre organ. Many arts organizations frequently perform on the stage of the Long Center including: Purdue Bands, Purdue Musical Organizations, Purdue Convocations, The Lafayette Ballet, the Passion Play, Wabash Valley Youth Symphony and many others.
The Long Center has been dramatically restored to its original grandeur with superb natural acoustics. The St. John Pavilion is a beautiful setting, a restful lobby decorated with gilded ornamental plastering, created by the craftsmen of ZMartin Plastering.
The team at ZMartin Plastering are experienced in the art of gilding, a meticulous craft, involving the application of a thin layer of metal onto a surface to enhance its aesthetic appeal. This intricate process utilizes delicate sheets of metal, known as leaf, which are carefully affixed to the surface using adhesive. The result is a finish that mimics the appearance of solid gold, silver, copper, or any other metal chosen for the leaf.
The allure of gilding has captivated craftsmen for centuries, with its origins dating back to the ancient civilizations of Egypt. Evidence of gilding techniques has been discovered in the artwork adorning Egyptian tombs, showcasing its enduring appeal.
Executing the art of gilding demands a keen eye for detail, precision in application, and a steady hand, as the metal leaf is exceedingly thin, fragile and beautiful.
Today the facility is owned by the City of Lafayette and managed by Long Center Inc. In 1981 the theatre was included on the National Register of Historic Places.